. >> reporter: it would involve four station in contra costa county including 12 i martinez. the district says that's their only options. neighbors say it can't be true. >> i think it's shame. i live in this community and this neighborhood. i have always safe and secure. >> it makes me scared of what could potentially happen if it takes an extra five minutes for a different firehouse to come down. >> reporter: their fear not enough to make change. the reality, contra costa county couldn't get enough votes. the county's fire protection district's funding measure, measure q, failed to pass the november ballot. now four stations are on the chopping block. >> the decision to close a fire station is not easy. there is no perfect modem. we don't go to school to learn how to close fire stations. >> reporter: the fire protection district covers 300 square miles serving 600,000 neighbors. leaders say industry standards require at least 600 firefighters on staff based off the area they cover. but right now they are operating at 250. >> this organization throughout not only in emergency